Battelle to work on SIGMA+ Phase 2
DARPA's SIGMA+ programme aims to address potential CBRNE threats. (Photo: DARPA)
DARPA programme seeks to create an advanced networked sensor to detect and identify biological weapons of mass destruction.
Battelle Memorial Institute is embarking on Phase 2 work in the SIGMA+ programme for DARPA.
SIGMA+ is an R&D effort to create an advanced networked sensor to detect and identify biological weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
SIGMA+ aims to develop a capability to detect illicit radioactive and nuclear materials by developing new sensors and networks that would alert authorities to chemical, biological, and explosives threats as well.
The programme calls for the development of highly sensitive detectors and advanced intelligence analytics to detect minute traces of various substances related to WMD threats.
SIGMA+ will use a common network infrastructure and mobile sensing strategy. The SIGMA+ CBRNE detection network would be scalable to cover a major metropolitan city and its surrounding region.
Phase 1 of SIGMA+ focuses on developing novel sensors for chemicals, explosives, and biological agents.
Phase 2 focuses on network development, analytics and integration. The Phase 2 contract is worth $8.51 million and Battelle will complete it by September 2023, the DoD announced on 15 April.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
